Department of Education Monday Minutes

Here are your Monday Minutes for November 2-6, 2020. 

From the Department Head

Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty, 

It seems strange that we have less than one month left in our Fall semester! I want to congratulate each and every one of you for persevering during this trying time. I have seen more acts of compassion than I can count—we are in this together and I am proud of our faculty, staff, and students (especially students!) for sticking with it, and more importantly, reaching out for help if you need it. 

P B S. Fred Rogers. Notes from the Neighborhood. When I was a boy and I would hear about something scary, my mother said, always look for the helpers. You'll always find somebody who's trying to help. Mister Rogers.The Compassion Project, which began in our college, is now a community non-profit organization, and I’d like to share a quote for their website: 

In our highly individualistic society, it can be easy to get caught in a pattern of relying strictly on ourselves. However, we know that open, loving connection with others is NECESSARY for human wellbeing. 

Please know that you are not alone. Reach out if you are struggling. Practice self-care. Students, you are preparing to enter a helping profession, but even the helpers need help sometimes, and we are here for you. 

Finally, tomorrow is Election Day and a university holiday (no classes, offices closed). If you haven’t voted or dropped off your ballot, make sure you do so! You can also register to vote on Election Day and cast your ballot. 

Take good care,

 Ann Dutton Ewbank's signature 

Dr. Ann Ewbank

News and Announcements

  • The TEP Induction and Student Teacher Send-Off virtual ceremony is Monday, 11/9 @ 6:15pm. Please join us to welcome our new teacher education students and bid adieu to our Spring 2021 student teachers. 
  • Our final department meeting is on Tuesday, November 10, 3:10-4:30 in Ann Ewbank’s WebEx room. As is our department tradition, we will reflect upon and celebrate our #EdGoals.
    • Join by phone
    • +1-855-797-9485 US Toll free
    • +1-415-655-0002 US Toll
    • Access code: 920 310 123

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

  • Please join the virtual MSU Milestones in Service Event from 3pm-5pm on Thursday, November 5. Department honorees include: Le Gaub, Bryce Hughes, Stephanie Lindsay, Fenqjen Luo, Carrie Myers, Bill Ruff, Christine Stanton, and Elaine Westbrook. Congratulations to all and thank you for your service to MSU!
  • Our department’s success is determined by our collective accomplishments. Share your own accomplishments with pride! Or if you hear of a colleague or student’s accomplishment, please share. Please send accomplishments and kudos to ann.ewbank@montana.edu.

Professional Development & Engagement Opportunities

  • Please join us for the next library media webinar on Tuesday, November 3rd at 6pm MST: Essential Understandings to Promote Educational Justice. Judy McKenna, Library Media Instructor, will introduce resources that address culturally responsive teaching strategies. Registration is required. All registered participants will receive a recording of the webinar and any relevant resources. Contact deborah.rinio@montana.edu with questions.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources

  • Do you have a resource to share? Please email Ann Ewbank.

A Special Request from Field Placement & Licensure

Teacher Education Program instructors: As we head into the fall term, we have over 80 student teachers.  This is a healthy enrollment and we are looking forward to supporting each student during their semester.  I would like to ask you each to review the list of students, which is attached, and encourage you to reach out to former students.  During this time of uncertainty and potential fear of what lies ahead, I believe they would appreciate hearing from a friendly face.  I think they would each appreciate the support and connection, perhaps now more than ever.
Thanks in advance!    - John Melick 

Please see the attached PDF for the list of students. PDF: Student Teachers – Fall 2020

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